Romancing with Food(rough draft)

     Nothing says I love you more than dim lights, candles, shrimp-veggie alfredo lasagna, and white chocolate raspberry cheesecake. Every human bieng on this planet experiences both good and bad days. The best way one can show oneself just how much they are loved and cared for is by the way they eat. Whether it is powerbars of vitamins, cookies or ice cream, veggie burgers or steak, food provides an unstoppable comfort and sort of satisfaction that almost becomes addicting.
     Eating healthy is key to living a happy and mentally sound life. It is okay to indulge every now and then on fried foods that we just can't resist (fried oreos). Or go out of our way for that special cupcake shop or chocolate store. As long as the majority of the time we are following a healthy diet along with exercise. (I am one to talk as I am eating a piece of vanilla bean cake for breakfast)
     I like to start my day with a multivitamin and tons of H2O. Then I hit the gym. After a 25 minute workout, I shower and begin my day, which is usually when breakfast follows. I begin to focus on what I like to call my "Prevention Powerpack". I try and incorporate five different colored foods a day into my meals. That means fruits and veggies such as bell peppers (red, orange, yellow, green), beets, radishes, tomatoes, (more reds), eggplant (purple), spinach, broccoli, arugula (greens) and most important, sweet potatoes. All of these help to keep cancers and heart disease away. Bananas (yellow) and flaxseed (dark brown) are good for memory. Eating at least six times a day helps speed up metabolism. One cup of sweet potatoes a day (every day) provides more benefit than almost any other method there is. Sweet Potatoes have shown a superior ability to raise our blood levels of  vitamin A and C and Beta Carotene. They have important antioxidant an anti-inflammoratory properties. Last but not least, I always include high protein meats such as chicken, salmon, crab, scallops, shrimp, and beef.
     Taking pride in the knowledge of the foods you consume, and figuring out how to utilize the foods in order to benefit from the nutrients lead to healthy, gourmet cooking. It might not be a perfectly well balanced meal everytime. We still have to enjoy our love for foods in order to stay happy and healthy.
     Cooking, for me, is very theraputic. A nice homemade meal is a strong way I show my love and appreciation. I spend a long time at the farmers markets and grocery stores selecting the perfect cut of meat, the freshest and sweetest smelling fruits and the most colorful and vibrant looking vegetables and greens. All the add-ons are carefully selected as well. I search for the best kinds of salad dressings (when I do not feel like making my own), bacon, breads, butter, eggs rice, and last but certainly not least; cereal.
     A lot of my recipies are Five Star Recipes and gathered online. I like to make something new eveytime I cook so I am always shopping (for recipes and food that is). I search through appetizers, side dishes, entrees and desserts. I browse from page to page, site to site gathering ideas and altering recipes to my own tastes.
     On a good evening I will have some sort of appetizer to snack on while I am preparing the main course. One of my favorite appetizers is a Roasted Tomato "Caprese Salad". I buy a pound and half to two pounds of plum tomatoes. A log of fresh mozzeralla from "Parisi", an Italian Eatery. Fresh basil and garlic. Balsalmic vinegar, if you prefer a vinegarette it is just as good, if not better. I then...
                    preheat the oven to 275 degrees
                    place whole tomatoes on a baking sheet
                    "slow roast" the tomatoes for 2 hours
                    slice the mozzeralla
                    remove the tomatoes from the oven, slice in half and remove seeds
                    slice the rest of the tomato
                    layer the tomato and mozzeralla (not to a tower)
                    sprinkle with sea salt and cracked pepper, minced garlic, and sugar
                    drizzle with balsalmic vinegar and olive oil
                    sprinkle with fresh sliced basil
Serve as is or on top of toast points and enjoy!